The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1887-12-28
cARlSTM MAS!


and bilarity OF Jolly old Christmas. a
time when heart burnings and strife
should yield place to the sovereignty
of our better natures, and 20 an era OF
peace and good will toward men. It
is fit occasion for rejoicing when ole
and young should lend a helping hand
in making the natal day of our Saw
iour one of festive enjoyment. Are
any bowed down With bereavement
and care /? Then let them emerge
from the cloistered seclusion, and join
the happy band. The old may look
with pleasing interest upon the glee-
full sport Of the young, and call up,
one by one, the happy "reminiscences
of a day that is gone, and live them
ever again. But alas! s'the silver
threads among the gold" all remind
US, that it is no longer the Christmas
Of chldhood's happy hours. The fast
speeding chariot wheels Of Time are
whirling US on towards the evening OF
lie; and the lengthening shadows tell
of approaching sunset.
Only few years ago, as it seems,
we were among those, who, with rest
less feet and sleepless eyes pattered
around, and watched for Santa Claus"
as he would come in regal grandeur,
behind his feet-footed EIks, well
Eeighted with everything that fancy
could eonjure up, to be deposited in
thelittle stocking hanging around the
beds Yes, it IS time for memory,
and sometimes the tear-drop will start
unbiddeu. In unison with the vacant
chair and aching void within, there
comes up remembrance of some
sweet little curly head and bright
eyes sleeping sander the daises," who
were Hinsome, bright and happy, at
the last Christmas festivities, one year
ago.
But such is the checkered scene of
human existence, and he the man OF
wisdom who is able to pluck from ev-
cry flower it sweet, and heed no fur
ther than the moral teachings, all the
thorns and thistles that grow beside
this pathway, as he passes onward.
In our town the ancient Holidays
we're ushered in by the eyer-present
Christmas rain and slush of the streets,
amid the early booming of the omni-
present Fire-craekers. Scarcely had
the Regulation Bell Of our corporation
tolled out the hour of midnight OF
Sunday eve, when music arose with
its ssyoluptuous swell" and floating DER
the murkJ atmosphere, penetrated the
Wakeful repose of the young Naming
ties who were watching and waiting
for the signals setting forth the open
ing ceremonies Of Christmas morning.
The early threat of cloud and storm
soon gave way to the cheering rays of
i bright and beautiful Sun, and the
young Of the town found ample op-
portunity for the exercise of out door
sports, which were INDUCED, adding
no little to the enjoyment of those
who took part, and none the less to
such as had, by reason Of years and
falling limbs, been relegated to the
position of spectators. OF course
there was an admixture of goodly
portion of the 'fover joyful" this ad-.
junct Of Christmas, without which,
tie Transactions Of the day would be
abnormal As the waning shadows
began to fall eastward, the crowded
streets soon discharged portion Of
the people, who fell with wetted APP
petites upon the Christmas turkeys,
at which delightful and entertaining
occupation we will leave them, to note
the closing scenes, at the festive Hall
Of our townsman, Mr.. I. NJ Bagnal,
where, in the mazes of the dance, the
the young men and maidens OF our
town spent delightful evening, run
ming well into the wee, small hours of
the morning. Everything. has pass
ed away most pleasantly, and i5afords
unieigned satisfaction to mention the
absence of discord or anything to mar
the hilarity Of the day; and may each
and all of US so forth from this atmos-
phere OF sport and JOY nerved and re-
iuyenated for the stern battles of life,
that stand frowning, perhaps, on the
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